PM invites China’s power firm to invest in Pakistan

• Power China assures to train Pakistanis as part of experience-sharing, capacity-building programme

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Friday invited Power China to explore investment opportunities in transmission lines and hydro power projects including water reservoirs and power generation components.

He was talking to Yan Zhiyong, chairman of the Board of Directors and president of the Power Construction Corporation of China, who along with a delegation called on him here at the PM House. Addressing energy shortfall was the top priority of his government, he said, and expressed the hope that fast track construction of power projects would significantly help overcome the energy crisis.

Prime Minister Nawaz reiterated that Pakistan was fully committed to the timely and effective implementation of all the projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). “We thank Chinese ministries and institutions for their support in making CPEC a reality,” he said, adding that the government would extend full cooperation for early execution of the on-going projects.

Zhiyong informed the prime minister that 100 young engineers from Pakistan have been trained in China on various power sector streams and they would now work on the Port Qasim power project during its life of over 25 years. He said that the Power China also intends to further impart training to Pakistani professionals as part of experience sharing and capacity building programme.

He said that cooperation between Pakistan and China would continue and the power projects would become a source of strengthened partnership between the two countries. The prime minister acknowledged support of the Power China and said that Pakistan and China have all-weather and time-tested friendship based on mutual respect and trust.

The Chinese delegation included Power China Resources Chairman Sheng Yuming, Executive Vice President Lyu Liushan and Executive Vice President Cai Bin. The meeting was also attended by Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif and senior officials.

WORLD HEALTH DAY: In his message on the occasion of the World Health Day, Prime Minister Nawaz reiterated his government’s resolve to further improve the healthcare system of Pakistan. “Healthcare remains top most priority agenda in the social sector. The goals of development cannot be realised without taking steps towards building a healthy nation,” he said.

The government launched Prime Minister’s National Health Programme (PMNHP) in 2015 with the objective to provide universal health coverage through a cash-less health insurance scheme for the poor to enable them to access needed healthcare services. By the Grace of Almighty Allah, the National Health Programme has started its services for the beneficiaries of 16 districts, he said.

So far, more than 1.6 million families have been enrolled in the PMNHP and more than 18,000 individuals have been treated for various illnesses from empaneled hospitals, the prime minister said. This year, the World Health Organisation has dedicated the World Health Day to depression. “This is a commendable step for bringing the world together against mental illnesses and in particular depression,” he said.

Around 24 million people suffer from depression in Pakistan, Prime Minister Nawaz said, adding a huge fraction of human resource that could be contributing to the development and progress was affected by disability caused by this disease. He said depression was curable and easily treatable.

“As a society, we must take steps to recognise, prevent and treat depression at the basic primary healthcare level. We need to educate ourselves and others so that people can be open about seeking help whenever required, and not be held back due to fear of being judged. I encourage everyone to create ease for each other,” he said.

“I envision that we as a nation must stand and fight together to fight the stigma, prejudice and discrimination against people suffering from this menace,” the prime minister said.